Originally posted by NinerBuff:
Locks:
Good Chance:
- Hurd - pending injury
- Benjamin - veteran presence
Toss Up:
- Taylor - multiple injuries, but when healthy is the best slot WR
- Pettis - now or never
- James - Aiyuk's return ability potentially makes him expendable
- Jennings - Is Hurd is healthy, then probably PS, if not, probably makes the roster
I think we all agree on the locks and with Bourne in particular, I really root for the guy. He was someone that I looked at as the odd man out this time last year. Not only did he fight to remain, but he proved to be a big play guy. I don't really see Benjamin making the roster unless he has the camp of his life. Even with his return ability and I'm biased with Benjamin because I'm a Miami fan, he has bad hands. He is who he is at 30 years old. But he will definitely push everyone there. Based off of what Hurd showed last year, I expect him to make the roster, but he is a guy that can be stashed on the practice squad if he is neck and neck with someone else and isn't in the top 5.
Taylor is the guy that I am hoping that can be moved for a pick. Final year of his contract. Pettis legit can be the top wide receiver if his head is on straight. For the sake of the team, it's in our best interests that he pulls it together, because out of every receiver that isn't a lock, he has the highest ceiling. I like Richie James a lot and wonder why he isn't used more in the passing offense. I'm pretty much accepting that he is who he is and we aren't getting much more out of him, but he has made some plays for us.
I like what I've seen from Jennings but I see practice squad. We have Hurd, Bourne, and potentially Taylor. Perhaps when one of the 3 are gone next year, then Jennings can be brought up. But based off the personality I see, he won't go down easy.
Along with the 3 locks, I have Pettis, Hurd and James making the roster. If they carry 7 receivers again, then that opens the door for Taylor.